By Atira Khalisha Nor Adnan
MELAKA, Aug 14 (Bernama) -- A paddy field illuminated by LED lights fills the interior of a traditional Kedah house at Malaysia Heritage Studios, Ayer Keroh here, creating an atmosphere that makes visitors feel as though they are standing in the middle of the rice fields of the ‘Rice Bowl State’.
Accompanied by the sound of chirping birds as part of the installation, the setting not only provides an attractive backdrop for photographs but also offers visitors a different visual experience in discovering how people lived in the past.
The approach of combining traditional elements with technology is among the efforts undertaken by Malaysia Heritage Studios, formerly known as Mini Malaysia and ASEAN Cultural Park, to bring the heritage experience closer to today’s generation.
Malaysia Heritage Studios Southern Region Business Development Head Ainatul Mardhiah Roslan said the approach gives visitors an opportunity to discover culture through a more visual, interactive and enjoyable experience, particularly for the younger generation.
“Today’s generation enjoys taking photographs, so we try to make the decorations more immersive and appealing for them to capture. We also provide hands-on activities as they are more interested in physically trying things out rather than simply listening or reading.
“In our efforts to bring the heritage experience closer to visitors, the theme park has also incorporated technologies such as lighting, immersive elements, animatronics and video content in several exhibition spaces,” she told Bernama when met during the Melaka Surreal Durian Experience 2026 programme organised by Tourism Malaysia Southern Region recently.
Ainatul Mardhiah said Malaysia Heritage Studios features 13 traditional houses from across the country, each with its own identity based on the heritage of the respective states, including in terms of architectural structure, spatial layout and depictions of the lifestyle of communities in the past.
She said the architecture of traditional houses could also serve as a medium for understanding the values, beliefs and way of life of communities at the time.
“For example, the Kelantan house reflects how strongly the community in the past emphasised Islamic values in their daily lives. That is why the living room and kitchen were separated, while girls heading to the kitchen had to go downstairs and use another passageway instead of passing through the living room.
“So, even from the structure of a house, we can learn how people in the past lived and practised certain values,” she said.
Apart from exploring traditional architecture, visitors can also enjoy cultural performances held daily at 12.30 pm and 3.30 pm.
The heritage experience extends beyond architecture, with visitors able to participate in various traditional activities such as batu seremban, congkak and capteh, as well as batik-making activities held at selected times.
Ainatul Mardhiah said the heritage materials and information featured at the studios were also based on research and documentation carried out by the Melaka Museum Corporation since 1986, as well as sources from various other museums.
To bring stories associated with communities of the past to life, the studios also feature legendary creatures from local folklore, including the Naga Tasik Chini, Sang Kelembai and several other mythical characters.
“These stories not only capture visitors’ attention but also provide an opportunity for them to discover the folklore and beliefs passed down from earlier generations, not only in Malaysia but also from other cultures.
“Among them is Gajah Mina, a Hindu mythological creature believed to be highly mystical. Some accounts describe it as having a body like a whale, tusks like an elephant, a body covered in fur, a pair of fangs and broad hands,” she said.
She said apart from local visitors, Malaysia Heritage Studios also welcomed international tourists, including those from Singapore, Taiwan and China.
For visitors keen to experience Malaysia Heritage Studios, the theme park is open daily, with admission inclusive of entertainment tax priced at RM50.60 for adults and RM39.40 for children and senior citizens, while children aged three and below enter free.
-- BERNAMA